Although East Hawaii is home to some of the country’s top orchid nurseries, most residents rarely have access to their plants since these businesses are primarily wholesale exporters to the mainland.
Although East Hawaii is home to some of the country’s top orchid nurseries, most residents rarely have access to their plants since these businesses are primarily wholesale exporters to the mainland.
The public gets a rare chance to buy directly from these local growers during the Summer Orchid Sale from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Prince Kuhio Plaza. The sale piggybacks on the Asian Cultural Festival, also taking place at the mall.
Organizer Matthias Seelis of Shogun Hawaii explained that the growers chose this weekend to coincide with the traditional time of the annual Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale that takes place at Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium. This year, HOS moved its show up to June to escape the threat of tropical storms.
“We hope everyone will come out to enjoy the arts and entertainment provided by the Asian Cultural Festival and then check out the exotic orchids available from the best growers in the world,” Seelis said.
“Members of the Hilo Orchid Society will be on hand to provide one-on-one tips for folks new to orchids. Knowing just a few simple facts about how orchids naturally grow can guarantee many years of vigorous growth and spectacular blooms,” he said.